MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 30: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates a play against the Miami Dolphins during the third quarter in the game at Hard Rock Stadium on October 30, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
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Bye weeks have arrived with the Chiefs and Panthers off for Week 5. The timing is not ideal for fantasy managers with some of the biggest names in the league dealing with injuries. Let’s highlight some of the noteworthy injuries and decide what action to take in fantasy football. For those who need reinforcements, check out our Week 5 waiver wire targets.
Fantasy Football Week 5 Injuries: Saquon Barkley, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
Barkley is being considered as week-to-week following his hamstring injury against the Rams in Week 4. To complicate matters for the Eagles, his backup Tank Bigsby (abdomen) is being placed on injured reserve, ruling him out for at least four weeks. That leaves former fourth-round pick Will Shipley to lead the backfield in their Week 5 matchup with the Jaguars.
Week 5 fantasy outlook: Based on volume alone, Shipley is at least a viable flex option in 12-team leagues.
Fantasy Football Week 5 Injuries: Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens
Jackson is unlikely to play Sunday versus the Falcons and could miss multiple games. His absence means the Ravens will turn things over to Tyler Huntley, who has surpassed 230 passing yards in a game only one time since joining the Ravens in 2020. Huntley starting is a downgrade for Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews in fantasy.
Week 5 fantasy outlook: Look for a streaming replacement for Jackson for at least this week. Top options include Jacoby Brissett (vs. Lions) and Jameis Winston (at Commanders).
Fantasy Football Week 5 Injuries: Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
Chase (concussion) left the Bengals’ Week 4 matchup with the Jaguars and did not return. Concussions can be tricky, so it’s certainly possible that Chase misses a game. It doesn’t help Cincinnati that Tee Higgins (adductor) is considered as day-to-day. With Chase leaving early last week, Higgins thrived with 11 receptions for 157 yards.
Week 5 fantasy outlook: If Chase and/or Higgins are cleared to play in Week 5, they are both must-starts in all formats. If either of them sits, then tight end Mike Gesicki could see additional targets in a great matchup against the Dolphins.
Fantasy Football Week 5 Injuries: Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings
Jefferson (ankle) did not play Sunday against the Dolphins. The Vikings are hopeful that he will play in Week 5 against the Saints, but it’s important to note that the Vikings have a bye in Week 6. If Jefferson’s injury is still bothering him, they could take a cautious approach with their superstar and sit him through the bye.
Week 5 fantasy outlook: If Jefferson is cleared to return, he’s a must start in all leagues. If he sits again, then Jordan Addison has increased upside in a favorable matchup.
Fantasy Football Week 5 Injuries: Jayden Daniels, QB, Washington Commanders
Daniels missed the last two games while recovering from a dislocated elbow on his non-throwing arm. Things became worse for the Commanders at quarterback with Marcus Mariota (knee) getting hurt against the Colts. Although he is likely to miss time, the Commanders said their goal is for Daniels to start Sunday against the Giants.
Week 5 fantasy outlook: With his ability to impact games with his arm and his legs, Daniels should be immediately slotted back into fantasy starting lineups.
Fantasy Football Week 5 Injuries: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Arizona Cardinals
Love has received 14 or fewer carries in three of his first four games. He has talked about being cautious with his workload in the early going and was dealing with ankle discomfort against the Giants last week. When he played 55 snaps against the 49ers in Week 3, he had 109 total yards and a touchdown. The problem is, he logged 32 or fewer snaps in his other three games this year.
Week 5 fantasy outlook: Love is risky, based on his potentially limited workload. However, he is still a viable flex option against a Lions team that allows 31.8 points per game.
Fantasy Football Week 5 Injuries: Ladd McConkey, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
McConkey just can’t stay on the field. He suffered a rib injury in Week 1, but managed to play through it. Last week, he only logged 24 snaps because of a foot ailment. He failed to catch either of his targets, marking the first game of his career in which he failed to record at least one reception. He is considered as day-to-day heading into a Week 5 matchup against the Broncos.
Week 5 fantasy outlook: If he plays, McConkey is still worth starting. The Broncos’ secondary won’t be as formidable with standout cornerback Patrick Surtain (ankle) week-to-week.
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